Zarzalejo honored for leadership in advising

On March 13, 2025, Dean Ian Robertson held an event to recognize engineering faculty and staff for outstanding contributions. Maria Zarzalejo, the college’s director of undergraduate advising, received the University and Academic Staff Distinguished Achievement Award.

When you lead a team of fewer than 20 people who advise an undergraduate population of just under 5,000, it might be easy to view people as numbers or boxes to be checked.

Instead, Zarzalejo has developed innovative, inclusive, high-impact advising strategies. And, she’s supported her team, in many ways, so that they can deliver high-quality service to students. As a result, she has been a pivotal leader in advancing our college’s mission to educate and inspire future leaders.

Zarzalejo advocates for and encourages her staff to ensure their efficacy and well-being. She encourages and facilitates professional development and long-term growth that meets team as well as individual goals. Her strategic vision for first-year student success is grounded in inclusive and intentional advising practices and programing. She’s built partnerships with key college stakeholders, including departments, the Undergraduate Learning Center, Engineering Student Center, and Engineering Career Services, to ensure those teams can and do play a role in elements of student success.